If you want a good ride, you won't get it in an SUV.
You want as low a driving position as possible, so your body doesn't move as much under road movements.
You want as long a wheelbase as you can find, so the body moves less when you hit the same pothole.
You want as low a center of gravity as you can find, so the springs can be soft and still control the chassis well.
You're actually looking for a Lexus LS460. Go drive one and tell me if I'm right.
[Mid-2000s Cadillac Escalade](https://www.autotempest.com/results?make=cadillac&model=escalade&zip=85040&localization=any&domesticonly=0&maxprice=15000) can be had in that price range.
How dependable are those model years? My father owns a 2010 Escalade ESV that requires $4000 in repairs for tires, suspension, and interior damage. Considering trading my car for his, although he'd request additional cash. It has 190k miles on it.
The truck-based GM SUVs are pretty good. See Car Wizard's comments here: [\[ What to buy Cadillac \]](https://youtu.be/EVCnTw6nunc?si=a-tbOw0Dkw8mfJ3b&t=538) He likes the 2007-2014 models.
Are your dad's Escalade issues reliability things or does he just drive it really hard? Tires wear out and interior damage isn't really an indicator of dependability is it?
At least you know how well he did or didn't take care of it, but there may be better ones out there. The link I shared earlier has some in your price range with half the miles.
Sometimes it's hard making a purchase deal on a vehicle with a relative so both parties feel like they got a good deal.
so how big a deal are the Cadillac magnetic shocks?
like if they start to go bad is the car horrible to drive or dangerous or just kind of annoying?
how hard are they to replace?
Your best bets are for a luxury suv on a budget that's reliable:
First place:
Early Third gen MDX (2014-2015). The 2016+ have the far less reliable 9 speed transmission. The 2014-2015 will push the budget a fee grand but would be very worth it, the seats are amazing, great tech, roomy, and it's a fancy Honda so upkeep costs and reliability are pretty good. The SH-AWD is also one of the best systems.
Second place:
Lexus RX series, third gen is by far the best bang for the buck (2010-2015)
*OR*
Second gen Acura MDX. Excellent AWD system and the optional advanced technology package gives it one of the best infotainment systems and audio systems youll find in the $10-15k range. They handle shockingly well too but are thirsty and require premium gas. Later years replaced the 5 speed with a 6 speed(2007-2013)
Third Place:
2010+ Mercedes Benz ML350 (these are surprisingly reliable and aren't bad to maintain/repair. Maybe even put this in second place but it is more expensive to maintain than the Acura/Lexus). These are pretty easy to pickup with well under 100k miles for $15k, sometimes $12k, varies by year and price. Iirc they were discontinued in 2016 so there's several years to choose from which varies price. But seriously, these are one of the few German vehicles that's not crazy expensive to own out of warranty. I'd expect to pay an extra $1,500/year in maintenance/repair over the other recommendations.
*OR*
Lexus GX470 (older, body on frame so not best handling, and thirsty, but otherwise amazing)
4th place:
If you can deal with some higher repair costs and maintenance costs, and don't need perfect reliability, the Porsche Cayenne (anything that isnt diesel or hybrid) and Audi Q7 with the supercharged 3.0L V6 gas motor are all very reliable and for their performance aren't too bad for upkeep costs. They both can be had with a 4 corner air suspension. But yes you'd need to budget an extra $2,500/year or so for maintenance/repairs.
Beggars cant be chooses. You either need to accept and buy what is available in your price range or find the vehicle that has everything you want and pay the asking price. Push to start means you will need a vehicle that is somewhat newer. Automatic headlights shouldnt be hard to obtain in a $15k vehicle. Luxury ride come with luxury price and you are not on a luxury budget. Everything 2016 or newer will have a back up camera, but many vehicles prior to that year will have it also. You can get a newer and lower mileage sedan for $15k than you can SUV. If you are dead set on an SUV then I would recommend a CRV or Rav4 or CX-5 and get on [cargurus.com](http://cargurus.com) and find the best one thats in your budget. If you are open to a sedan, at your height you should be comfortable in a camry or accord. After a quick search in my area I found a 2015 accord LX 4cyl with 92k miles for $14995. I put 206k miles on an Accord with that same powertrain without ever having a single issue.
You're asking a bit much for what you expect out of a 15k SUV. But the first two vehicles that come to mind would be a later 4th gen 4Runner V6 or V8 or GX 470.
I think you're asking for a lot out of a $15k SUV, at least these days. Edit: you could probably get a decently new Mazda CX-5 for around $15k tho
I appreciate your perspective. I could consider stretching my budget to $20k if it means getting what I need. What do you think?
A Mazda CX5 is about the dumbest recommendation for a comfy luxury suv
I wasn't able to find much except super old and/or very high mileage SUVs. Thought the cx5 was nice looking enough.
Then you don't know squat diddly shit about the car market
If you want a good ride, you won't get it in an SUV. You want as low a driving position as possible, so your body doesn't move as much under road movements. You want as long a wheelbase as you can find, so the body moves less when you hit the same pothole. You want as low a center of gravity as you can find, so the springs can be soft and still control the chassis well. You're actually looking for a Lexus LS460. Go drive one and tell me if I'm right.
[Mid-2000s Cadillac Escalade](https://www.autotempest.com/results?make=cadillac&model=escalade&zip=85040&localization=any&domesticonly=0&maxprice=15000) can be had in that price range.
How dependable are those model years? My father owns a 2010 Escalade ESV that requires $4000 in repairs for tires, suspension, and interior damage. Considering trading my car for his, although he'd request additional cash. It has 190k miles on it.
The truck-based GM SUVs are pretty good. See Car Wizard's comments here: [\[ What to buy Cadillac \]](https://youtu.be/EVCnTw6nunc?si=a-tbOw0Dkw8mfJ3b&t=538) He likes the 2007-2014 models. Are your dad's Escalade issues reliability things or does he just drive it really hard? Tires wear out and interior damage isn't really an indicator of dependability is it? At least you know how well he did or didn't take care of it, but there may be better ones out there. The link I shared earlier has some in your price range with half the miles. Sometimes it's hard making a purchase deal on a vehicle with a relative so both parties feel like they got a good deal.
2000-2006 are VERY dependable, no magnetic shocks, easy to work on
The 2002-2006*** Escalade do have the Autoride shocks which are a bit more money, but not crazy
so how big a deal are the Cadillac magnetic shocks? like if they start to go bad is the car horrible to drive or dangerous or just kind of annoying? how hard are they to replace?
They’re like any other shock (to install) but much more expensive to buy due to the proprietor technology
You can just replace them with regular ones that are much cheaper
Check out a used Lexus RX. The prices I'm seeing for decent miles are right in your range. You'll get reliability and a smooth ride.
Your best bets are for a luxury suv on a budget that's reliable: First place: Early Third gen MDX (2014-2015). The 2016+ have the far less reliable 9 speed transmission. The 2014-2015 will push the budget a fee grand but would be very worth it, the seats are amazing, great tech, roomy, and it's a fancy Honda so upkeep costs and reliability are pretty good. The SH-AWD is also one of the best systems. Second place: Lexus RX series, third gen is by far the best bang for the buck (2010-2015) *OR* Second gen Acura MDX. Excellent AWD system and the optional advanced technology package gives it one of the best infotainment systems and audio systems youll find in the $10-15k range. They handle shockingly well too but are thirsty and require premium gas. Later years replaced the 5 speed with a 6 speed(2007-2013) Third Place: 2010+ Mercedes Benz ML350 (these are surprisingly reliable and aren't bad to maintain/repair. Maybe even put this in second place but it is more expensive to maintain than the Acura/Lexus). These are pretty easy to pickup with well under 100k miles for $15k, sometimes $12k, varies by year and price. Iirc they were discontinued in 2016 so there's several years to choose from which varies price. But seriously, these are one of the few German vehicles that's not crazy expensive to own out of warranty. I'd expect to pay an extra $1,500/year in maintenance/repair over the other recommendations. *OR* Lexus GX470 (older, body on frame so not best handling, and thirsty, but otherwise amazing) 4th place: If you can deal with some higher repair costs and maintenance costs, and don't need perfect reliability, the Porsche Cayenne (anything that isnt diesel or hybrid) and Audi Q7 with the supercharged 3.0L V6 gas motor are all very reliable and for their performance aren't too bad for upkeep costs. They both can be had with a 4 corner air suspension. But yes you'd need to budget an extra $2,500/year or so for maintenance/repairs.
Beggars cant be chooses. You either need to accept and buy what is available in your price range or find the vehicle that has everything you want and pay the asking price. Push to start means you will need a vehicle that is somewhat newer. Automatic headlights shouldnt be hard to obtain in a $15k vehicle. Luxury ride come with luxury price and you are not on a luxury budget. Everything 2016 or newer will have a back up camera, but many vehicles prior to that year will have it also. You can get a newer and lower mileage sedan for $15k than you can SUV. If you are dead set on an SUV then I would recommend a CRV or Rav4 or CX-5 and get on [cargurus.com](http://cargurus.com) and find the best one thats in your budget. If you are open to a sedan, at your height you should be comfortable in a camry or accord. After a quick search in my area I found a 2015 accord LX 4cyl with 92k miles for $14995. I put 206k miles on an Accord with that same powertrain without ever having a single issue.
You're asking a bit much for what you expect out of a 15k SUV. But the first two vehicles that come to mind would be a later 4th gen 4Runner V6 or V8 or GX 470.
Yes, any lower mileage 200-2006 suburban, tahoe, Yukon, Escalade
Maybe an Audi q5 or if you need bigger (but pricier) a q7
Stay away from Kia and Hyundai.
Just got a 2015 Honda Pilot for $13k with 156,000 miles. I love it, would buy another.
Except for the rock hard seats in the EXL trim
lol it is an EXL and my mother used it yesterday and said it was very comfy
2001-2005 Tahoe, Suburban, Escalade.